Bill
HD 2973
Expands discharge planning for people relying on life-support tech; hospitals must coordinate with home care, explain maintenance, and educate caregivers to ensure ongoing safety.
Status: Senate concurred; Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (introduced February 27, 2025)
Overview
HD 2973 seeks to strengthen safety and continuity of care for individuals who rely on life-supporting equipment by expanding discharge planning and information requirements, and by mandating clearer communication between hospitals, home/residential settings, and caregivers. The bill adds specific content to discharge planning and ensures ongoing protection and understanding of life-support needs after hospital releases.
Purpose and Intent
- Improve safety and stability for individuals with disabilities who depend on life-support technology, machinery, or equipment.
- Ensure families, residential facilities, and care staff receive comprehensive discharge information and maintenance guidance.
- Create formal responsibilities for hospitals and licensed nurses to coordinate aftercare and educate caregivers.
Key Provisions and Changes
1) Expansion of information required in Section 51D (Chapter 111)
- Adds three new categories to discharge-related disclosures:
- (6) Scheduled follow-up medical appointments or verification that such information is provided separately.
- (7) Descriptions of any pharmaceutical, rehabilitative, or life-supporting technology/equipment necessary to maintain medical stability, including maintenance and upkeep instructions.
- (8) Any other information as required by the Department of Public Health (DPH).
2) Strengthened discharge communication and verification (Section 2)
- Before discharge from hospital (acute, chronic, or long-term care), hospitals must communicate the discharge plan and aftercare provisions to a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) at the patient’s residence or residential facility.
- For clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), the RN/LPN must:
- Review the discharge plan with emphasis on maintaining life-support technology.
- Review any individualized education program (IEP) or individualized service plan (ISP) under the client’s name.
- Sign in writing to acknowledge full understanding of discharge requirements.
- Advise residential facility personnel, family members, and personal care attendants on discharge plan requirements and hospital recommendations to ensure ongoing safety.
3) Agency guidance and public awareness (Section 3)
- DPH must develop guidelines and regulations to implement the Act.
- DPH must conduct public awareness campaigns to inform families, hospitals, and medical facilities of rights and responsibilities.
- DPH must post guidance, regulations, and informational materials on its website to assist implementation and compliance.
4) Effective date (Section 4)
- The Act would take effect immediately upon passage.
Legislative and Procedural Context
- Similar matter previously filed (House No. 213 of 2023-2024).
- 2025 actions: Filed January 16, 2025; House Docket No. 2973; Senate concurred on February 27, 2025; referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
Impacted Parties
- Individuals with disabilities who rely on life-support equipment and their families.
- Hospitals, residential facilities, and care providers.
- Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses responsible for discharge coordination.
- Local and state public health authorities (DPH) responsible for guidelines, regulations, and outreach.
Notes for implementation
- Hospitals will need processes to assemble and deliver the expanded information set at discharge.
- RN/LPN staff may require training to evaluate and explain IEPs/ISPs and life-support maintenance to non-medical caregivers.
- DPH guidance will shape the exact form of disclosures and aftercare requirements.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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